Homework: Homework assignments will consist of multiple
choices, true false, writing or sketching responses to selected review
questions at the end of each chapter, and are designed to help the
student prepare for the exams and quizzes. Homework MUST be submitted to the instructor by
the indicated due date. Late
homework will not be accepted for
grading.

Reading: You are expected to read the textbook from cover to
cover. I will also give you additional papers to read.

Laboratory and field sessions: You are required to attend
each laboratory and field session in the course.

Office Hours: If you cannot make it to the above office hours, you can
come visit me anytime that is convenient to both of us. If you see me around
campus, please don't hesitate to ask any questions that you might have. If you
are having trouble finding me (which won't happen), first check with our department
secretary Mrs. Sarah Rechtzigel in Mudd 167 (646-4407), if that does not work
try calling me at home (664-9229) before 10:00 PM, or leave a note on my bulletin
board or leave message on my voice mail.

ACCOMMODATION AND ALTERNATIVE FORMATS
Reasonable accommodations will be provided for students with documented
physical, sensory, learning, and psychiatric disabilities. Contact the
instructor to work out the details of accommodations. Class materials
prepared by the instructor can be made available in alternative formats
upon request. Please contact the instructor as early as possible.

Major topics to be covered will include:

" Earth's Dynamic Systems.
To use observations, measurements, and the logic of science to gain an
understanding of, and an appreciation for the Earth's dynamic systems.
Here we will explore plate tectonics, Earthquakes, and Volcanoes."

" Environmental Systems -
Here we will explore how systems operate in the natural and cultural
world and define a set of tools that will be used to analyze
environmental issues discussed throughout the rest of the term."

" Population Growth - Here
we will evaluate the role of an expanding human population on resource
consumption and social and civil strife. The role of culture, religion,
family planning and historical events will be explored and used to
extrapolate population growth and stability trends."

" Water Resources and Waste Issues
- These topics Include a general discussion of the hydrologic cycle,
regional, social, political, and physical influences that affect the
relative renewability of water resources, and issues associated with
human interactions on existing water resources. Waste Issues - How
liquid, solid, chemical and nuclear waste is generated, reused,
recycled, and/or discarded."

" Atmospheric Issues- This topic describes many of the
sources of air pollution from industrial to agricultural practices.
Discussions of acid rain, the greenhouse effect, and a thinning ozone
layer will outline the nature of these problems as well as highlight
possible solutions."

" Natural Hazards - This
topic will outline how we frequently perceive natural hazards and ways
in which we can effectively plan our way around them."

" Energy Resources and Consumption
- This topic will include discussions on the traditional and
alternative fuels that are currently used or are being considered
throughout the world. We will focus on the nature of these fuels, their
relative abundance, their benefits and drawbacks."

Syllabus

Lectures: As lecture outlines are developed links will
be made to this page. The page will evolve over the

term as notes are added. All reading assignments are to
be covered before coming to class.

Each year the students conduct a research project analyzing
the water quality of lakes and streams in the greater Northfield area. These
research projects can be viewed byclicking on the following link or by contacting
the professor. These research projects and reports are then neatly bound and
distributed to the class as a record of the research conducted that term.
The groups then present their research to the class in the form of a poster
and powerpoint presentation.

Links
to Water Quality resources: This word dodument
contains aDRAFT LOCAL WATER PLAN COMPONENT MATRIX with
theINFORMATION COMPONENTS FOR 2001-2006 WATER MANAGEMENT PLANS. On
this page you will find a table containing the components (both data and assessments)
that are
required by state statute to be addressed within the Water Plan. Within the
table there are links to websites containing this data and more.